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Maxing Out Media shoots video using Canon miniDV cameras.  We use Nikon gear for our still photos.  When you are on location shooting video or still shots, you need to have two cameras in case there is a problem with one of the cameras bodies.  The lenses on the Canon XL1s and XL2 are interchangeable, and the same is true for the lenses on the Nikon cameras.  Multiple camera bodies with shared lenses works well for us. Unless we are working in a studio situation, most of shooting is handheld getting close to our subjects using the wide angle lens tucked under our arm eliminating camera shake.  We installed a bubble level on the top of the wide angle lens so we can shoot in marginal conditions while still keeping the camera level.  The Canon XL1 camera does a great job  shooting digital video in documentary style films.  It's a robust camera that stands the rigors or sailing offshore when not residing in the safety of a land based studio.  We use a wide angle lens 99% of the time, but occasionally switch to using the telephoto.  The wide angle lens does a great job in documentary style shooting. The Canon XL2 uses the same lenses as the Canon XL1, but has increased versatility and is a definite upgrade in ease of use and capability. The Nikon D2X is a good workhorse, and we have thousands of photos on the Positive Thinking Network that were shot using this camera. The Nikon D300 is extremely capable.  It makes pictures as good as the Nikon D2X, but it is more portable because of its smaller size and lighter weight. Nikon AF-S-VR-Zoom-Nikkor-70-200mm - This extremely versatile lens has vibration reduction which stabilizes the image when shooting macro shots.  It is also a good telephoto and its power can be augmented with a converter for distant shots. AF-S-DX-Zoom-Nikkor-12-24mm - The wide angle lens is great for interior shots as well as landscapes. Nikon AF-S-VR-Micro-Nikkor-105mm  - This macro lens does a great job of getting up close and personal with your subject.

      Shooting on location in Oman